Pain So Strong, He Struggled to Get to School!

Thirteen-year-old Vireak has suffered with a hernia for his entire life. His family lives in a remote village in Cambodia with limited access to doctors or hospitals.   

"Every day, I ride my bike to school,” Vireak told us.  “It’s nine miles each way.  After I got home, I had to rest for a half hour until the pain eased up.  It hurt a lot."

Vireak loved playing soccer but running made the pain from the hernia excruciating.

"During cold weather, my stomach would hurt.  I couldn't help my parents take care of the pigs anymore because the pain got so bad. It just kept getting worse."

Vireak’s father works as a construction laborer, but work is not steady.  Because they are poor, paying for surgery was not possible.  His mom, Sokchanthy, worried for her son’s future, and explained the severity of his condition. 

“I remember a few months ago my son was carrying feed for the pigs when he felt this intense pain. His face turned pale, and he was in agony for an hour.  I was scared.  I was afraid he would die without the surgery he needed,” she told us.     

That’s when the family learned about Operation Blessing.  Thanks to you, we paid for Vireak to receive medical tests and surgery to repair his hernia.  

"Before, I always dreamed of being able to run and play like other kids.  Now, my dream has come true!” Vireak exclaimed.  “I can play soccer, help my parents with their work, and I don't feel pain any more.”

"I’m so thankful to the people who paid for my son to receive surgery,” Sokchanty said.  “He’s a completely different boy now.  He healthy and happy. Thank you, Operation Blessing!"